EU Leaders Slow further Decarbonisation of the Transport Sector from UFOP: Sustainability Certification a Discontinued Model?

(UFOP/Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen) Without a continuation of binding for all Member States targets of greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, the Union fears for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) to phase out previously pursued decarbonization strategy in the transport sector, ie the replacement of fossil fuels by biofuels.
The UFOP looks given the decisions of the EU Council, the continuation of EU biofuel policy as the most important element of today to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the fuel usage at risk. The policy position put the perspective of the European biofuel industry after 2020 in question, feared the association. The EU Heads of State and Government invited the European Commission with today’s decision, instruments and measures for a technology-neutral approach to promote emission reduction and energy efficiency in transport since 2020 to develop. The UFOP notes with concern that the existing successes of biofuels are therefore not recognized. The union fears a shift in priorities for research and development, without that between 2020 and 2030 is made ​​for the climate noticeable relief contribution.
The UFOP recalls that biofuels must already comply with the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive certain Treibhausgasminderungs- and sustainability requirements. For the relevant trade sectors in the European Union, but also in third countries have these effects in feedstock production and during transport and processing.
To this end, the EU Commission had now approved 17 certification systems. Under the current policy position of the Council, so the fear of UFOP, sustainability certification is on the verge. This would require rather a strategic focus on base was introduced by biofuels with a gradual and technology open-label extension of the share of renewable energy from various biomass sources, but also from not biomass-based sources. This specific decision lacked unfortunately, criticized the UFOP. The policy had too high expectations to technical progress. This should be measured against the experiences of the past and not to the promises of the future. The fact is that new technologies are usually associated with higher costs and are thus expected to acceptance difficulties for many consumers. The also adopted authorizing the Member States to incorporate the transport sector in the emissions trading scheme, will probably lead to a fragmentation of the European approach for a decarbonisation strategy.
In contrast, a concrete and effective contribution to the diversification based on renewable and reduce fossil resources is now done with the promotion of biofuels and other renewable energy sources. However, the decision situation means to deal with the technology development and new investments for the development of new biomass resources for further the economic sectors concerned, a warning signal. READ MORE and MORE (Biodiesel Magazine) and Download letter